Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Humans 3: Evolution – Lost in Time builds upon the classic formula established in its predecessors, weaving intricate puzzle-platforming mechanics with the frantic pace of a chase. Players guide a squad of resourceful humans, each endowed with unique abilities—fire creation, object manipulation, and brute smashing—through perilous levels. The objective is to collect six scattered pieces of the Time Machine across four distinct worlds before time runs out or the relentless alien zoo keepers catch up.

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Each level presents a self-contained puzzle, often requiring precise timing and clever coordination between your characters. The fire-creation specialist can clear wooden barriers or light fuses, while the grabber hauls weights and flips switches. Meanwhile, the smasher can break through rock walls or stun pursuing aliens. Figuring out the correct sequence of actions and using each character judiciously makes every stage a satisfying brain-teaser.

Passwords are provided at key checkpoints, which is a welcome design choice for those who want to revisit particularly challenging puzzles without starting over. This system encourages experimentation: you can tackle a level multiple times, test out daring strategies, and then jump back in at a later point. It also eases the frustration often associated with trial-and-error gameplay.

The pacing strikes a fine balance. Early levels ease you into the core mechanics, while later stages introduce time-sensitive elements and more complex environmental hazards—moving platforms, collapsing floors, and laser grids. The constant threat of the chasing aliens injects an element of suspense, compelling you to think quickly under pressure. Overall, the gameplay is both accessible to newcomers and deep enough to keep veteran puzzle-platformer fans engaged.

Graphics

Thanks to its new game engine, Humans 3: Evolution – Lost in Time delivers a notable visual upgrade over the original Evolution: Dino Dudes (and the data-disk-style Humans 2). Character sprites are more detailed, with expressive animations that bring each human’s abilities to life. You can practically feel the heat of the pyrotechnic specialist’s torch or the weight of the smasher’s mighty fists as he pounds through obstacles.

The four worlds—ranging from medieval castles and industrial factories to prehistoric jungles and futuristic cities—each feature distinct palettes and thematic design. Textures are crisp, backgrounds are layered to give a sense of depth, and environmental hazards like swinging blades or electrical arcs are rendered with smooth animations. It’s clear the development team invested in making each epoch feel unique and visually interesting.

Particle effects, such as sparks from metal clashes or embers trailing from a lit fuse, add polish to the overall presentation. Even the aliens that pursue you have a quirky, cartoonish design, which keeps the tone lighthearted rather than ominous. This art direction aligns perfectly with the game’s playful homage to Lemmings-style gameplay.

On the technical side, the frame rate remains stable even during hectic sequences, ensuring that precise movements and timing-based puzzles aren’t compromised. There are no noticeable slowdowns when multiple particle effects and characters crowd the screen, making the overall visual experience both appealing and reliable.

Story

The narrative premise of Humans 3 revolves around an intergalactic zoo where alien keepers have kidnapped seven pivotal figures from human history. Your mission is to rescue these luminaries—philosophers, inventors, and explorers—by reconstructing your fractured Time Machine. Along the way, you’ll traverse four eras, piecing together the device before the aliens can add more humans to their collection.

While the story doesn’t rely heavily on in-game cutscenes, it unfolds through witty level intros and humorous character interactions. You’ll find playful nods to historical quirks—like delivering a torch to a prehistoric artist or avoiding dripping molten metal in an industrial foundry. These small touches give each level personality and reinforce your sense of purpose.

The stakes feel organic: without restoring the Time Machine, human history risks becoming a footnote in an alien exhibit. This simple but effective premise drives you forward, especially when the chase sequences kick in and the tension ramps up. It’s a storytelling approach that prioritizes gameplay integration over long-winded exposition.

Fans of the original Lemmings-style puzzles will appreciate how the story complements the gameplay rather than overshadowing it. Every rescued figure acts as a reminder of what’s at stake, and the gradually unfolding plot keeps you invested through the final showdown against the alien zoo keepers.

Overall Experience

Humans 3: Evolution – Lost in Time delivers a well-rounded puzzle-platforming adventure that appeals to both casual players and genre enthusiasts. Its polished visuals, varied level design, and memorable mechanics combine to create a game that’s easy to pick up but challenging to master. The inclusion of passwords makes it friendly for shorter play sessions, yet the depth of its puzzles invites prolonged engagement.

The seamless integration of character abilities means no two puzzles feel the same. Whether you’re lighting fuses to trigger hidden platforms or coordinating a smash-and-grab sequence under time pressure, the game continually surprises with fresh scenarios. The lurking alien threat adds excitement without turning every stage into a frantic sprint.

Replay value is high, thanks to optional time targets and hidden collectibles in each level. Even after you’ve assembled the Time Machine and rescued all historical figures, you’ll likely revisit favorite stages to chase personal bests or uncover missed secrets. This makes the title a compelling package for completionists and speedrunners alike.

In sum, Humans 3: Evolution – Lost in Time stands out as a successful sequel that honors its roots while introducing meaningful enhancements. Its accessible yet rich gameplay loop, robust visuals, and lighthearted narrative ensure a delightful journey through history’s many epochs. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or discovering it for the first time, this game offers an engaging rescue mission you won’t soon forget.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10